Wadad "Poochie" Rotzinger

Our Grandma, Wadad "Poochie" Rotzinger, was born to John and Shala Hassen on March 19, 1929 in Ranger, Texas. The third of four children, Grandma and her siblings Adell Hassen Saab (of Mexico City), the late Aneece Hassen, and Nancy Merwan (of Los Angeles, California) grew up in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Grandma graduated from Sulphur High School and Oklahoma City University. While working at the OCU library she caught the eye of a star football player who would become the love of her life, the late Edmund Rotzinger. They were married on August 24, 1950. In 1951, our grandparents welcomed a beloved daughter, Carol Louise (m. Rocky Duckworth). Grandma is also survived by her loving granddaughters, Regan Leigh (m. James Morgan) and Cara Amanda (m. Richie Weiblinger), as well as her beautiful great-grandchildren, Tate and Piper Morgan, and Lucy Weiblinger. Those of us who were blessed to be her family can attest that Grandma was our own personal paparazzo, capturing every moment of every graduation, birthday, holiday, and any visit. Rolls and rolls of film were dedicated to these special moments. Grandma taught biology and physical education for several years at Grant High School, Northwest Classen High School, and John Marshall High School. She continued teaching at Central State University, where she taught drivers education to the instructors. Never one to slow down, Grandma decided to become a pilot later in life. It was through this hobby that she developed a passion for the Civil Air Patrol, Oklahoma Pilots Association, The Ninety-Nines (the international organization of women pilots), and teaching Ground School for Pilots. We will joyfully remember our Grandma decked out in airplane jewelry, airplane sweaters, with airplane magnets decorating her refrigerator, and every year proudly adorning her Christmas trees with bright, spinning airplane ornaments. Flying, family, and friends were her three greatest passions. Grandma was not your conventional grandma, and we wouldn't have it any other way. In addition to flying, Grandma was an avid motorcyclist who also taught Motorcycle Safety courses. We always loved bragging that our Grandma was a pilot who rode motorcycles. She redefined what a 'cool Grandma' should be. Active in the Lebanese community in Oklahoma City, Grandma would treat us to the best grape leaves, tabouli, and spinach pies on this side of the Atlantic. She would also find such joy in baking Christmas treats for her friends. Our Grandma and Grandpa were truly a team who dedicated their lives to one another. After almost 65 blissful years of marriage, Grandma has now followed Grandpa to heaven just three months after he passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. We miss them both dearly, but we find solace in knowing that they are together in heaven, reunited and happy. We love you Grandma. Now you can truly fly among the heavens. A memorial service for our Grandma will be held at the St. Joachim Chapel at St. Ann's Retirement Center, 7501 W. Britton Rd. in Oklahoma City at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2015.